Marks and Spencer's new Christmas advert has been hailed as the "best ever" by viewers, who have compared it favourably to this year's offering from John Lewis.
The high street giant unveiled its festive ad on Friday, alongside the launch of its new "Home at Christmas" campaign. It features James Norton as an undercover Santa Claus, while Lucy Punch stars as Mrs Claus. Katherine Jenkins OBE also makes a special appearance and provides the soundtrack, with a reimagining of "Heaven Is a Place on Earth".
Undercover Santa Storyline
In the advert, an incognito Santa leaves the North Pole behind and steps out into the world to experience Christmas from a whole new perspective. It is the first time in almost a decade that M&S has brought food, fashion, home and beauty together in one campaign.
Viewers have taken to social media to heap praise on the retailer's festive advert. "It is the best advert I have ever seen," wrote reality star and presenter Vicky Pattison, whilst broadcaster Stacey Dooley commented: "Absolutely yes."
Viewer Reactions and Comparisons
"Whoever thought of this needs a RAISE! This is AMAZING!," added another user, with a different approving viewer commenting: "James Norton as Santa Claus is how Christmas should be from now on."
Many compared it to John Lewis's Christmas advert, which was criticised by some for being "out of touch". The John Lewis advert, released on Tuesday, centres on a wealthy grandmother Gloria, played by Dame Kristin Scott Thomas. Her grandchildren are left unimpressed with her attempts to entertain them with her old toy collection. She is talked out of giving them money by her wooden toy dog Pickles (voiced by Paul Whitehouse), who comes to life and brings her to John Lewis, where she buys them gifts instead.
John Lewis Ad Sparks Criticism
Some viewers slammed the two "awful" grandchildren, who at one point are visibly disappointed at not receiving cash in their Christmas cards. "It didn't make me feel Christmassy and to be honest if they were my kids they wouldn't be getting any presents they were so rude," said one social media user.
Another wrote: "Basically the grandchildren are absolute brats, they completely disrespect their grandmother and their mother just shrugs her shoulders and blames grandma. Grandma then goes to the ends of the earth to buy s*** to make them love her. Even the fact they shake the card expecting money is shocking. Awful ad."
In comparison, the M&S advert has been praised for bringing the "humour" and "silliness" to a Christmas advert. "Now that's how a Christmas advert should be done!" wrote one user, whilst another said: "Love it. Watch it and weep John Lewis." "Very Christmassy, funny and corny .. just as it should and everything on sale . Shame JL didn't think of that!," said a third. "Light years ahead of the train wreck that is the John Lewis Christmas Advert," another added.
